Mate in 3 chess puzzles
Play and solve mate-in-three-moves chess puzzles. You’ll find solutions and historical details and you can play each puzzle live against the computer.

Levon Aronian vs Alexander Grischuk
In this position from a Mexico City 2007 game, Levon Aronian has a mate in three against Alexander Grischuk. Hint: it involves a promotion.

Paul Motwani vs Kevin Wicker
In Southampton, 1986, Paul Motwani found a way to finish the game against Kevin Wicker. White has a mate in three to conclude this quiet affair.

Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Anna Ushenina
Alexandra Kosteniuk found a way to finish the game against Anna Ushenina in just three moves. This puzzle captures a sharp moment from their meeting in Belarus.

Joseph Blackburne vs Smith
In an 1882 simultaneous exhibition, Joseph Blackburne faced off against Smith. This puzzle invites you to find the mating net that Black could not escape.

Georg Marco vs Herbert Trenchard
In Vienna, 1898, Georg Marco faced Herbert Trenchard in a game that concluded with a swift mating net. Find the three moves that allow White to finish the game.

William Steinitz vs Henry Bird
In London 1866, the English player Henry Bird faced off against the legendary William Steinitz. Find the three-move checkmate that secured a victory for Black in this historic meeting.

John Nunn vs Miroslaw Sarwinski
During their 1987 meeting in Naleczow, John Nunn found a way to navigate the defenses of Miroslaw Sarwinski. White holds a forced mate in three to conclude the game.

Janos Balogh vs Geza Maroczy
In Gyor during 1924, Hungarian-Romanian master Janos Balogh faced Geza Maroczy in a memorable game. Find the three moves that lead to a forced mate for White.
Difficulty
- Easy Chess Puzzles (21)
- Moderate Chess Puzzles (86)
- Hard Chess Puzzles (36)
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